Bayfield Prepares for Winter Tourism

Businesses are Hoping for More Snow

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Peaceful quality time with loved ones was how Conn Mullally wanted to spend his birthday this year, and that’s exactly what he got, strolling through the almost empty streets of Bayfield on a quiet Monday.

“We come up very often, all four seasons of the year,” says Cathy Mullalay, Con’s wife.

Despite a thunderstorm this summer that washed out roads leading to Bayfield, some business owners saw a large number of tourists come through their doors So they aren’t fretting too much about the low tourism numbers right now, and even expect business to slow down this time of year.

“Over all we had a really strong summer too, and our tourism certainly continues through the fall and certainly through apple fest,” says Mary Thiel, co-owner of Howl Clothing and Adventure.

And though the ice caves do help bring tourists to the area, many business owners say they can get through the winter, without counting on the lake freezing over, and that the biggest winter attractions are still yet to come.

“We’re gearing up for the next step in our season which is our dog sledding season,” says Thiel.